Glasgow film theatre
is undergoing a process of renovation to add another screen and to entries these of disabled access ability. This will provide three screens accessible by a central lift. There will also be accessible toilets and cafe areas.
While the building work is going on in their adapted toilet is being refurbished and the usual lift has to be accessed from the outside not its normal position. However this may change as the building works progressive so I would advise anyone going in the foreseeable future to phone ahead to check
But again hopefully it’s signs of progress
Category Archives: museums/ attractions
Glasgow Theatre royal refurbishment
As some of you may know I am an avid theatregoer. But the set up in Glasgow often isn’t ideal. There is good news however. In time for the Commonwealth Games Glasgow Theatre royal is undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment. Part of the aim of this to increase the accessibility of the venue with the installation of lifts providing wheelchair access to every floor. Hopefully this will mean greater accessibility to the cheaper ticket prices to those with mobility issues
It will take around 18 months but work has already begun and the theatre will only close for a three month period in early 2014. Sadly its not exactly imminent but it is an huge step in the right direction
Glasgow Springfield Quay
So, the quay- it’s a typical slightly out of town family/young person type place of restaurants, bowling, bingo cinema etc.
Access wise I haven’t been to every restaurant (sadly) but… I can vouch for Frankie and bennies and nandos being on the level at least. Most are new buildings and are one storey so all I can say is that they are likely to be accessible in those terms
The Odeon is a really good accessible cinema one of the best in my opinion. The formal details are on the disabled go link below. What makes it for me however is that the screens are entered from the back so that the disabled seats are back here not at the front craning front like other venues.
One issue I’ve had is that non blue badges often use the spaces, especially on rainy nights so parking can occasionally be tricky.
Overall though the whole place makes going for a meal then film/ activity as about as easy as it can be http://www.glasgowonline.co.uk/street/Springfield_Quay/
Braehead shopping centre
I love shopping and I love braehead. I genuinely think it’s one of best shopping centers in Glasgow. It’s also clearly really accessible but I just wanted to highlight how good it is because I wouldn’t want anyone to be deterred from shopping
- disabled parking–> lots and free
- smooth level surface throughout with lifts at each end, in the middle and within some stores
- disabled toilets at middle in good condition and not locked
- most shops (can’t guarantee all) have disabled cubicles in fitting rooms, often with buzzer
- extras like shopomobility rental and changing room with bed etc
Best of all you won’t feel out of place as, because it is so accessible there are always loads of people on some form of wheels 
Overall – definitely top rating!
Overall – definitely top rating!Buchanan galleries
On the theme of shopping have also recently been to Buchanan galleries. It’s not somewhere I go as often so am less familiar with it but do have some thoughts
- disabled parking–> lots though small charge depending on when and for how long
- smooth level surface throughout, lifts one end, and in some stores
- disabled toilets available but locked requiring radar key which you can get from information desk or management suite floor 2. Ok but not great if you’re desperate for the loo
- most shops have disabled cubicles in fitting rooms, often with buzzer
There are some minor issues but overall it is a great place to shop on wheels and out of what’s available in town it’s out on its own http://
Pollok Country house
This may not be for everyone but this is one of my favorite places in Glasgow. It’s a beautiful country house in huge park but still within city. Inside it has a lovely restaurant and shop and upstairs all the old fashioned downtown style grandeur of an old house. So enough about that.
Access wise I just want to explain a few of the things they say on the website.
- The marked disabled spaces are by the front door but this isn’t disabled accessible. There are unofficial spaces in the courtyard at back of house which are right by the disabled entrance. This door is locked with a bell which does work but can take a wee while before they answer.
- The cafe and food shop are on entrance level from this door and there is an old but adequate disabled loo.
- Theres a platform lift over 3 steps up to next shop and rest of house access. This is locked and again you will need someone to go and ask for key.
- Similar story regarding asking to get up to main body of house. There is a small internal lift which takes you to the first floor only but you can see a good deal up here.
Overall it is accessible but it takes a little bit of perseverance and asking because the adaptations are not obvious. It also usually much easier if you have someone with you. That said for an old building it does pretty well and is beautiful, plus the very modern and accessible Burrell collection is just 10minutes drive away across the park if you want to combine trip
Kelvingrove art gallery and museum
KELVINGROVE art gallery and museum
Positives
- 10 disabled parking spaces
- Level access at university side
- Lifts to all floors
-Disabled toilets on all floors
- Wheelchairs available for rent
Generally great to get around and really fabulous museum. Plus restaurant’s not too bad either. There’s good access info for all the Glasgow museums at the link below.
SECC
This weekend’s update is on the SECC. In general they are very good.
Positives
- there is always disabled accessible seating areas
- your accompanying person usually goes free
- there’s designated disabled parking
- there’s disabled loos
- access within building is all on the level
Negatives
- I was at clyde auditorium and entrance is a revolving door which is mot very compatible with wheelchair. Had to get friend with me to go in and ask then they let me in through fire door which could only be opened from inside. Not sure what you’re supposed to do if you arrive by yourself though. The main part of SECC I can say from experience doesn’t have this problem
Glasgow concert Halls
Glasgow concert Halls
I want to highlight today Glasgow concert Hall. This is a great accessible venue hosting a wide range of entertainment including classical, traditional, jazz music as well as comedy, dance and theatre. The website gives really comprehensive details but I just wanted to highlight a couple points
Positives
-all Halls are accessible to wheelchair users: With level access from North Street and platform and regular lifts inside -wheelchair spaces are available, in good position and come with a free attendant ticket
-the bar, shop and toilets are all wheelchair accessible
-disabled parking is available in the concert hall car Park across the road. There are dropped curbs and a pedestrian crossing between the two
Negative
-there is only one lift to the main auditorium so progress can be slow allow lots of time
Overall, this is a great accessible venue for enjoying a bit of culture http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/facilities
silverburn shopping centre
So silverburn shopping centre is a modern, large shopping centre on the outskirts of of Glasgow. Its website gives comprehensive access information but just wanted to highlight it here to make people aware.
Positives
- plentiful, free disabled spaces within an internal carpark that links to the shopping centre
- Smooth level surface within shopping centre, multiple lifts including within stores
- Numerous disabled toilet facilities
- Numerous cafes, restaurants which are also accessible
- Great range of clothes shops which have room for manoeuvring a wheelchair through
- Shop mobility available providing mobility scooters, manual and powered wheelchairs for free. Note must be reserved in advance and some aids require a training session before use
Negatives
- Only if I’m being really picky there isn’t a bookshop or any cinema that sometimes other centres have
Overall, a really great accessible shopping centre. http://m.shopsilverburn.com/